Modular elements employing latches secured by linkages

ABSTRACT

Modular elements employing latches secured by linkages are disclosed. A modular element may include a chassis body in communication with a latch, control body, and control arm of the modular element. The modular element is removable from or secured to an enclosure using the latch. The latch may remain secured to the enclosure in a locked mode by being rotated to engage a control catch of a control arm of a linkage. By connecting the control arm to the control body with a rigid member connected to the control body with first and second rotary joints, the rigid member transforms a control body movement into a rotary motion of the control arm to disengage the control arm from the latch. In this manner, the modular element may be disengaged from the enclosure to facilitate upgrades or maintenance of electronic components supported by the chassis body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/588,214, filed Dec. 31, 2014. The aforementioned relatedpatent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to enclosure systems having removableequipment elements, and in particular, to electronic componentssupported by elements which are removable from enclosures.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Benefits of enclosures include an establishment of an internal volumethat provides protection and organization of the contents therein. Insome applications, enclosures form a structural framework and protectionof internal volumes. Protection may be provided, for example, fromelectromagnetic radiation, humidity, moisture, and heat. Items to bedisposed within the internal volumes of enclosures may be supported aspart of modular elements which are secured to the structural frameworkof the enclosure during use. The structural framework also preciselypositions and holds firmly the modular elements, so that the internalvolume may be precisely populated to optimize cooling flow, resistvibration, maximize storage capacity, and/or provide convenientinterfaces for modular elements to be efficiently replaced (“swappedout”) by personnel without damage when maintenance and/or upgrades arerequired.

As technology improves, demands to reduce cost while simultaneouslyincreasing performance continues, and there is an increasing need topopulate enclosures with higher densities of components withinenclosures to reduce the footprints of data centers and improve thespeed of electronic components by decreasing the distances therebetween.It is becoming more challenging, with the resultantly highly-populatedenclosures, to identify spatial volumes within enclosures to routesupply power cables and cooling air for components. Structuralcomponents of the enclosure and latches to secure the modular units tothe enclosure are physically occupying spatial volume that could beoccupied for additional electronic components or pathways for coolingair, communication cables, or power cords to support additionalcomponents in the enclosure. New approaches are needed to reliablysecure modular units within enclosures while occupying minimum spatialvolume, and facilitating efficient upgrades and maintenance.

SUMMARY

Embodiments disclosed herein include modular elements employing latchessecured by linkages. A modular element may include a chassis body incommunication with a latch, control body, and control arm of the modularelement. The modular element is removable from or secured to anenclosure using the latch. The latch may remain secured to the enclosurein a locked mode by being rotated to engage a control catch of a controlarm of a linkage. By connecting the control arm to the control body witha rigid member connected to the control body with first and secondrotary joints, the rigid member transforms a control body movement intoa rotary motion of the control arm to disengage the control arm from thelatch. In this manner, the modular element may be disengaged from theenclosure to facilitate upgrades or maintenance of electronic componentssupported by the chassis body.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a modular elementis disclosed. The modular element is removable from an enclosure duringan unlocked mode and secured in the enclosure during a locked mode. Themodular element includes a chassis body supporting electroniccomponents. The modular element further includes a latch in pivotablecommunication with the chassis body and configured to be engaged withthe enclosure during the locked mode. The modular element furtherincludes a linkage including a control body, a control arm, and a rigidmember. The control body is in linear slidable communication with thechassis body between a first position during the locked mode and asecond position during the unlocked mode. The control arm is inpivotable communication with the chassis, and the rigid member isconnected to the control arm with a first rotary joint and connected tothe control arm with a second rotary joint. Upon movement of the controlbody from the first position to the second position, the rigid membertransforms motion of the control body into a rotary motion of thecontrol arm to disengage a control catch of the control arm from adetent of the at least one latch. In this manner, the modular elementmay efficiently be secured and later removed from the enclosure toenable replacement of electronic components for maintenance or upgrades.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method forsecuring a modular element in a locked mode within an enclosure andlater removing the modular element while in an unlocked mode from theenclosure is disclosed. The method includes disposing at least a portionof a chassis body of the modular element and electronic componentssupported by the chassis body within the enclosure. The modular elementincludes a latch and a linkage, wherein the linkage includes a controlbody, a control arm, and a rigid member. The control body is in a linearslidable communication with the chassis body and disposed at a firstposition during the locked mode and a second position during theunlocked mode. The control arm is in pivotable communication with thechassis. The rigid member is connected to the control arm with a firstrotary joint and connected to the control arm with a second rotaryjoint. The method further includes, upon transitioning from the unlockedmode to the locked mode, pivoting the latch relative to the chassis bodyto engage the enclosure with the latch and to engage a detent of thelatch with a control catch of a control arm, wherein the control arm isin pivotable communication with the chassis body. The method alsoincludes, upon transitioning from the locked mode to the unlocked mode,moving the control body in a linear sliding motion from the firstposition to the second position, and transforming, with the rigid memberand the first and second rotary joints, the linear motion of the controlbody into a rotary motion of the control arm to disengage the controlcatch from the detent. In this manner, the modular element may beefficiently secured and later removed from the enclosure with a reducedspatial volume enabling additional electronic components to populate theenclosure.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electronicdevice is disclosed. The electronic device includes an enclosure. Theelectronic device also includes a modular element removable from theenclosure. The modular element includes a chassis body supportingelectronic components. The modular element further includes a latch inpivotable communication with the chassis body and configured to beengaged with the enclosure during the locked mode. The modular elementfurther includes a linkage including a control body, a control arm, anda rigid member. The control body is in slidable communication with thechassis body between a first position during the locked mode and asecond position during the unlocked mode. The control arm is inpivotable communication with the chassis, and the rigid member isconnected to the control arm with a first rotary joint and connected tothe control arm with a second rotary joint. The modular element furtherincludes a flexible protrusion extending from the control body. Upondisposing the detent of the control catch adjacent to a detent of thelatch during a transition from the unlocked mode to the locked mode, theflexible protrusion is configured to move towards the neutral positionwhile urging the catch cam of the control arm into the detent of thelatch. The flexible protrusion is disposed between the control arm andthe control body. The modular element further includes upon movement ofthe control body from the first position to the second position therigid member transforms motion of the control body into a rotary motionof the control arm to disengage a control catch of the control arm froma detent of the at least one latch. The first rotary joint and thesecond rotary joint each comprise living hinges. The latch, the controlbody, the control arm, and the link member are disposed in a co-planararrangement during the locked and unlocked modes. In this manner, a highflow of airflow can be supplied to the electronic components in theenclosure with the small volume occupied by the control body and latch.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detaileddescription which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing theembodiments as described herein, including the detailed description thatfollows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description disclose embodiments, and areintended to provide an overview or framework for understanding thenature and character of the disclosure. The accompanying drawings areincluded to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated intoand constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustratevarious embodiments, and together with the description serve to explainthe principles and operation of the concepts disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the presentdisclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description ofthe disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference toembodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Itis to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate onlyexemplary embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting ofits scope, may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective exploded view of an exemplary electronicdevice including an enclosure and removable modular elements, whereinthe modular elements each include a chassis body supporting electroniccomponents, at least one latch, and a linkage;

FIGS. 2A through 2G are a bottom view, right side view, left side view,front view, rear view, bottom perspective view, and bottom perspectiveexploded view of an exemplary one of the modular elements of FIG. 1,including a linkage foe securing the modular element within theenclosure of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are bottom views of the linkage of FIG. 2A in the lockedmode and unlocked mode respectively;

FIG. 3C is a bottom view of one of the latches of the linkage of FIG. 2Aengaged with one of the control arms of FIG. 2A to illustrate angularrelationships of the detent of the respective latch and the controlcatch of the respective control arm;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for securing the modularelement of FIG. 2A within the enclosure of FIG. 1 before removing themodular element;

FIG. 5A is a bottom view of the modular element of FIG. 2A being securedto receptors of the enclosure and the at least one latch of the modularelement being secured in the locked mode by the control body;

FIG. 5B is a bottom view of the modular element of FIG. 5A illustratinga disengagement force being applied to the control body of the modularelement to mobilize the at least one latch; and

FIG. 5C is a bottom view of the modular element of FIG. 5B illustratingremoving the modular element from the enclosure by applying a removalforce to the at least one latch.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have beenused, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common tothe figures. It is contemplated that elements and features of oneembodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments withoutfurther recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, examples ofwhich are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, butnot all embodiments are shown. Indeed, the concepts may be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limiting herein.Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used to refer to likecomponents or parts.

Embodiments disclosed herein include modular elements employing latchessecured by linkages. A modular element may include a chassis body incommunication with a latch, control body, and control arm of the modularelement. The modular element is removable from or secured to anenclosure using the latch. The latch may remain secured to the enclosurein a locked mode by being rotated to engage a control catch of a controlarm of a linkage. By connecting the control arm to the control body witha rigid member connected to the control body with first and secondrotary joints, the rigid member transforms a control body movement intoa rotary motion of the control arm to disengage the control arm from thelatch. In this manner, the modular element may be disengaged from theenclosure to facilitate upgrades or maintenance of electronic componentssupported by the chassis body.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective exploded view of an exemplary electronicdevice 100 including an enclosure 102 and removable modular elements104(1)-104(N) which may be individually installed and later removed fromthe enclosure 102. Each of the removable modular elements 104(1)-104(N)includes a chassis body 106 supporting electronic components 108, atleast one latch 110A, 110B, and a linkage 112 (discussed later relativeto FIG. 2A) which secures the at least one latch 110A, 110B in a lockedmode. The linkage 112 also has an unlocked mode to allow the latches110A, 110B to disengage from the enclosure 102. The latches 110A, 110Bmay engage at least one receptor 114A, 114B of the enclosure 102 tosecure the respective one of the modular element 104(1)-104(N) withinthe enclosure 102. At least one control arm 216A, 216B (FIG. 2A) of thelinkage 112 is in communication with the chassis body 106 (as discussedlater relative to FIG. 2B) to secure the latches 110A, 110B and maintainthe respective modular element 104(1) secured to the enclosure 102. Adisengagement force F2 (FIG. 4B) may be applied to the linkage 112 toenable the latches 110A, 110B to disengage from the enclosure 102. Inthis manner, each of the modular elements 104(1)-104(N) may be removablysecured to the enclosure 102.

The electronic components 108 may be supported to respective ones of thechassis bodies 106 of the modular elements 104(1)-104(N). The electroniccomponents 108 may, for example, include semiconductor-based processorand/or semiconductor-based storage components. When the modular elements104(1)-104(N) are secured in the enclosure 102, the electroniccomponents 108 of the modular elements 104(1)-14(N) may also be coupled(not shown) at the back 119A of the modular elements 104(1)-104(N) toconnector slots 116 of a midplane 118. The connector slots 116 mayinclude power and a signal interfaces for the electronic components 108to function and exchange information with a second chassis 120. Thesecond chassis 120 may contain various hot plug-able components forcooling, power, control, and switching. The second chassis 120 may slideto and latch onto the enclosure 102. The second chassis 120 may containhot plug-able blowers 122A, 122B include backward-curved impellerblowers and provide cooling to various components of the electronicdevice 100. Airflow may be directed from the front to the rear of thesecond chassis 120. Each of the modular elements 104(1)-104(N) mayincludes a front grille to admit air, and low-profile vapor chamberbased heat sinks to cool the electronic components 108. In one example,the total airflow through the electronic device 100 may be approximately300 CFM at a 0.7 inch H2O static pressure drop.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the electronic device 100 may alsoinclude power modules 124A-124D, management modules 126A, 126B, andswitch modules 128A-128D. The power modules 124A-124D provide operatingvoltages for the electronic components 108. The management modules 126A,126B may provide basic management functions, for example, controlling,monitoring, alerting, restarting, and diagnostics. The managementmodules 126A, 126B may have separate communications links (e.g.Ethernet) to the switch modules 128A-128D providing communications withthe electronic components 108. In addition, communication cable groups130A, 130B may be connected at a front 119B of the modular elements104(1)-104(N). In this manner, power, communication, and environmentalcooling may be provided to the electronic components 108 of the modularelements 104(1)-104(N).

FIGS. 2A through 2G are a bottom view, right side view, left side view,front view, rear view, bottom perspective view, and bottom perspectiveexploded view of the modular element 104(1) of the modular elements104(1)-104(N) of FIG. 1. In this regard, the modular element 104(1)includes the chassis body 106, the at least one latch 110A, 110B, andthe linkage 112. Each of these will now be discussed sequentially and inreference to the FIGS. 2A through 2G.

The chassis body 106 supports the electronic components 108 and servesas the structural foundation for each of the modular elements140(1)-140(N). The chassis body 106 includes a first side 202A and asecond side 202B opposite the first side 202A. The electronic components108 may be attached to the first side 202A, second side 202B and/orwithin the chassis body 106. The first side 202A and the second side202B extend from the front 119B to the back 119A of the modular element104(1) and from a left side 204A of the modular element 104(1) to aright side 204B of the modular element 104(1). The chassis body 106 maycomprise a strong material, for example, plastic, metal, or compositesto prevent bending which may cause unwanted contact between adjacentmodular elements 104(2)-104(N) and/or undesirable transient changes incooling air passageways along the first side 202A and the second side202B of the modular element 104(1). In this manner, the left side 204Aand the right side 204B of the chassis body 106 are configured to beadjacent to or interface with the enclosure 102 to maximize the size ofthe modular element 104(1) for a given size of enclosure 102.

The chassis body 106 may provide electrical interconnection and maycomprise a circuit board or other electronic interconnecting structureto provide power and intercommunication with the electronic components108 supported thereon. The electronic components 108 may be supportedfrom one or more of the first side 202A and the second side 202B. Insome cases the electronic components 108 may be supported on an oppositeside of the chassis body 106 from where the linkage 112 and the latches110A, 110B communicate with the chassis body 106. In this manner,movement of the linkage 112 and the latches 110A, 110B may be unimpededby a presence of the electronic components 108 on the opposite side ofthe chassis body 106.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2A through 2G, the latches 110A, 110Bremovably secure the chassis body 106 to the enclosure 102. The latches110A, 110B respectively include catch portions 212A, 212B which areconfigured to be secured to the enclosure 102 by interfacing with thereceptors 114A, 114B of the enclosure 102. The receptors 114A, 114B ofthe enclosure 102 may comprise holes or cavities within the enclosure102 where the catch portions 212A, 212B may be received. Once the catchportions 212A, 212B are received by the receptors 114A, 114B, thereceptors 114A, 114B prevent the latch 110A, 110B and the chassis body106 attached to the latches 110A, 110B from being removed from theenclosure 102 until the catch portions 212A, 212B disengages from thereceptors 114A, 114B.

The latches 110A, 110B are in pivotable communication with the chassisbody 106. The pivotable communication may be created by spindles 206A,206B which extend from the chassis body 106 and interface with innersurfaces 208A, 208B of the latches 110A, 110B. The inner surfaces 208A,208B form respective holes 210A, 210B (FIG. 2G) of the latches 110A,110B. The latches 110A, 110B may pivot relative to the chassis body 106as the spindles 206A, 206B interface with the inner surfaces 208A, 208B.The modular element 104(1) is moved along a direction X (see FIG. 1) tobe disposed in the enclosure 102 and in a suitable position to besecured within the enclosure 102. In order to secure the chassis body106 within the enclosure 102, the at least one latch 110A, 110B maypivot relative to the chassis body 106, so that the catch portion 212A,212B of the at least one latch 110A, 110B moves at least partiallyparallel in the Y-direction and into the receptors 114A, 114B of theenclosure 102. The pivoting of the latches 110A, 110B may occur byapplying an installation force F1 to each of the latches 110A, 110B asdepicted in FIG. 2A.

While the catch portion 212A, 212B of the latches 110A, 110B remaindisposed within the receptors 114A, 114B of the enclosure 102, thereceptors 114A, 114B restrict movement of the catch portions 212A, 212Bof the latches 110A, 110B in the X-direction. As long as the latches110A, 110B remain stationary relative to the chassis body 106, the catchportions 212A, 212B of the latches 110A, 110B remain engaged in thereceptors 114A, 114B of the enclosure 102 and the modular element 104(1)is prevented from movement in the X-direction out of the opening 132(FIG. 1) of the enclosure 102. The enclosure 102 may prevent movement ofthe chassis body 106 parallel to the Y-direction. In this manner, thelatches 110A, 110B removably secure the modular element 104(1) withinthe enclosure 102.

The linkage 112 may be utilized to secure the latches 110A, 110B in thelocked mode and to later unsecure the latches 110A, 110B by facilitatinga transition to an unlocked mode. In particular, the linkage 112 securesthe latches 110A, 110B engaged with the receptors 114A, 114B of theenclosure 102 while in the locked mode. The linkage 112 includes acontrol body 214, at least one control arm 216A, 216B, and at least onerigid member 220A, 220B (or “at least one rigid body”). The control body214 is in slidable communication with the chassis body 106 and mayinclude a linear slide 222 to enable movement of the control body 214between a first position 223A and a second position 223B. In thisregard, the control body 112 is in the first position 223A during alocked mode when the modular element 104(1) is secured to the enclosure102 and in the second position 223B during the unlocked mode when thelatches 110A, 110B are mobilized and able to disengage from theenclosure 102. The control body 214 may receive a disengagement force F2(as discussed later in FIG. 5B) to enable the user to mobilize thelatches 110A, 110B. The linear slide 222 may facilitate movement of thecontrol body 214 to be parallel to a direction, for example theX-direction depicted in FIG. 1, in which the modular element 104 isurged into and removed from the enclosure 102. In this manner, thecontrol body 214 may be easily accessible to the user at the front 119B(FIG. 1) of the modular element 104(1), and also the movement of thecontrol body 214 is symmetric to the latches 110A, 110B enabling similaroperation of the latches 110A, 110B on the left 204A and the right side204B (FIG. 2A) respectively of the modular element 104(1) to moreequally distribute the loads on the enclosure 102 to reduce maintenance.

The control arms 216A, 216B of the linkage 112 engage and disengage withthe latches 110A, 110B when the latches 110A, 110B are in the lockedmode and unlocked mode respectively. When engaged, the latches 110A,110B are stationary relative to the chassis body 106.

The control arms 216A, 216B include features to engage with the latches110A, 110B. In particular, the control arms 216A, 216B include thecontrol catches 221A, 221B, for example in the shape of a protrudinglip, which are configured to be received within detents 224A, 224B ofthe latches 110A, 110B. When the control catches 221A, 221B are receivedin the detents 224A, 224B of the latches 110A, 110B, then the latches110A, 110B are prevented from rotating relative to the chassis body 106and disengaging from the enclosure 102. In this manner, the latches110A, 110B may be secured in a locked mode to prevent the latches 110A,110B from disengaging from the enclosure 102.

The detents 224A, 224B are first disposed adjacent to the controlcatches 221A, 221B in order to enable the control catches 221A, 221B tobe engaged with the detents 224A, 224B in the locked mode. During thistransition from the unlocked mode to the locked mode, the latches 110A,110B are configured to receive the installation force F1 (orinstallation movement) from the user to rotate the latches 110A, 110Brelative to the control arms 216A, 216B and dispose the detents 224A,224B of the latches 110A, 110B adjacent to the control catches 221A,221B of the control arms 216A, 216B. The control arms 216A, 216B mayinclude at least one angled surface 225A, 225B (FIG. 2A) which areangled relative to the longitudinal axes of the control arms 216A, 216B.In this regard, the angled surfaces 225A, 225B are configured to abutagainst the latches 110A, 110B and ease the relative movement of thecontrol arms 216A, 216B including the control catches 221A, 221B alongthe perimeter of the latches 110A, 110B to the detents 224A, 224B of thelatches 110A, 110B. The latches 110A, 110B may also include chamfers240A, 240B to form at least part of the perimeter of the latches 110A,110B and ease the relative movement of the control arms 216A, 216B alongthe perimeter. Once the detents 224A, 224B are disposed adjacent to thecontrol catches 221A, 221B and the control catches 221A, 221B urgedtherein, then the engagement occurs which secures the latches 110A,110B.

Two features acting cooperatively with the angled surfaces 225A, 225B todispose the control catches 221A, 221B within the detents 224A, 224B areat least one angular joint 228A, 228B and at least one flexibleprotrusion 227A, 227B. The angular joints 228A, 228B are respectivelyincluded as part of the control arms 216A, 216B and formed by internalsurfaces 230A, 230B of the control arms 216A, 216B. The angular joints228A, 228B are flexible portions of the control arms 216A, 216B angularjoint which are configured to facilitate deformation of the control arms216A, 216B, so that the control arms 216A, 216B including the controlcatches 221A, 221B may more easily follow the perimeter of the latches110A, 110B, so that the control catches 221A, 221B are disposed adjacentto the detents 224A, 224B. The flexibility provided by the angularjoints 228A, 228B avoids moving the control body 214 when securing thelatches 110A, 110B in the locked mode. In this regard, less energy isrequired to secure the latches 110A, 110B. Once the control catches221A, 221B are disposed adjacent to the detents 224A, 224B, then theflexible protrusions 227A, 227B may urge the control catches 221A, 221Binto the detents 224A, 224B. The flexible protrusions 227A, 227B mayextend from the control body 214 to distal ends of the flexibleprotrusions 227A, 227B, so as to be positioned precisely relative to thecontrol arms 216A, 216B which are in communication with the control body214 through the rigid members 220A, 220B. The flexible protrusions 227A,227B may have sufficient rigidity, so as to be self-biased toward aneutral position when distal ends of the flexible protrusions 227A, 227Bare adjacent to or abutting against the control arms 216A, 216B and thecontrol catches 221A, 221B and the detents 224A, 224B are engaged in thelocked position. Accordingly, the flexible protrusions 227A, 227B moveaway from their neutral positions as the angled surfaces 225A, 225B abutagainst the perimeter of the latches 110A, 110B as the installationforce F1 is applied to the latches 110A, 110B and the control catches221A, 221B become disposed adjacent to the detents 224A, 224B. When thecontrol catches 221A, 221B become disposed adjacent to the detents 224A,224B, then the flexible protrusions 227A, 227B may move towards theirneutral positions and may urge the control catches 221A, 221B into thedetents 224A, 224B. Accordingly, the latches 110A, 110B are secured andunable to disengage from the enclosure 102 when the control catches221A, 221B are received in the detents 224A, 224B of the latches 110A,110B. In this manner, the angular joints 228A, 228B and the flexibleprotrusions 227A, 227B may facilitate the securing of the latches 110A,110B in the locked mode wherein the latches 110A, 110B remain securedwith the catch portions 212A, 212B engaged in the receptors 114A, 114B(FIG. 1) of the enclosure 102 and the modular element 104(1) isprevented from movement in the X-direction out through the opening 132of the enclosure 102.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2A through 2G, several components ofthe modular element 104(1) work together to enable the unlocked modewhere the modular element 104(1) may be removed from the enclosure 102.In this regard, the control arms 216A, 216B are in pivotablecommunication with the chassis body 106 and are actuated by the controlbody 214 through the rigid members 220A, 220B. In particular, the rigidmembers 220A, 220B are respectively connected to the control arms 216A,216B with first rotary joints 218A, 218B and connected to the controlbody 214 with second rotary joints 219A, 219B. The rigid members 220A,220B enable the control arms 216A, 216B to pivot relative to the controlbody 214 and the chassis body 106. The first rotary joints 218A, 218Band the second rotary joints 219A, 219B may be, for example, flexurebearings such as living hinges. These connections of the rigid members220A, 220B between the control body 214 and the control arms 216A, 216Benable movements of the control body 214 (for example from a disengagingforce F2 which discussed later) to be transformed by the rigid members220A, 220B into a rotary motion of the control arms 216A, 216B todisengage the control arms 216A, 216B from the latches 110A, 110B whentransitioning between the locked mode and the unlocked mode.

Once the control arms 216A, 216B disengage from the latches 110A, 110Bas the control body 214 moves from the first position 223A to the secondposition 223B, then the control body 214 may be returned to the firstposition 223A by distal ends of the flexible protrusions 227A, 227Bmoving towards and against the control arms 216A, 216B. The linkage 112may include an optional spring 238 (FIG. 2A) coupled between the controlbody 214 and the chassis body 106 to facilitate the movement of thecontrol body back to the first position 223A once the latches 110A, 110Bare disengaged from the control arms 216A, 216B. If the flexibleprotrusions 227A, 227B are strong enough, then the spring 238 may not beneeded. In this manner, the control body 214 may be prepositioned in thecase when the latches 110A, 110B are returned to the locked mode.

It is noted that the pivotable communication of the control arms 216A,216B with the chassis body 106 may be provided by control arm spindles226A, 226B which extend from the chassis body 106 and interface withinner surfaces 234A, 234B of the control arms 216A, 216B. The innersurfaces 234A, 234B form respective holes 236A, 236B (FIG. 2G) of thecontrol arms 216A, 216B. The control arms 216A, 216B may pivot relativeto the chassis body 106 as the control arm spindles 226A, 226B interfacewith the inner surfaces 234A, 234B of the control arms 216A, 216B.

In order to illustrate the transition from the locked mode to theunlocked mode, FIGS. 3A and 3B are bottom views of the linkage 112 ofFIG. 2A in the locked mode and unlocked mode respectively. FIG. 3A showsthe control catches 221A, 221B engaged with the latches 110A, 110B inthe locked mode wherein a maximum distance D₂S between the controlcatches 221A, 221B is greater than a minimum distance D₃L between thedetents 224A, 224B of the latches 110A, 110B. Accordingly, the latches110A, 110B are secured and are restricted from pivoting relative to thechassis body 106 so that the latches 110A, 110B may be unsecured fromthe enclosure 102. In contrast FIG. 3B illustrates the unlocked positionwherein a disengaging force F2 from a user is received by the controlbody 214 to move the control body a distance D1 from a first position223A to a second position 223B. The distance D1 moved by the controlbody 214 is transformed by the rigid members 220A, 220B into rotarymotions of the control arms 216A, 216B, for example, to reduce themaximum distance between the control catches 221A, 221B to a distanceD₂US which is less than the minimum distance D₃L. Thus, the controlcatches 221A, 221B of the control arms 216A, 216B disengage from thedetents 224A, 224B of the latches 110A, 110B. Upon disengaging thecontrol catches 221A, 221B from the detents 224A, 224B, then the latches110A, 110B may rotate and disengage the modular element 104(1) from theenclosure 102 (FIG. 1). The modular elements 104(2)-104(N) may operatein a similar manner as modular element 104(1).

FIG. 3C is a bottom view of latch 110A of the latches 110A, 110B of thelinkage 112 of FIG. 2A engaged with the control arm 216A of the controlarms 216A, 216B of FIG. 2A to illustrate angular relationships of thedetent 224A of the respective latch 110A and the control catch 221A ofthe respective control arm 216A. It is noted that in the preferredengagement between the control catch 221A and the detent 224A, thecontrol catch 221A is disposed along a line B1 at angle θ1 (theta_1)which is orthogonal to a radial vector Ac extending from an axis ofrotation of the control arm 216A. Further, in this preferred engagementthe detent 224A is orientated along a line B2 which is parallel to aradial vector AL extending from an axis of rotation of the latch 110A.In this manner, the control catch 221A, and the detent 224A may remainengaged in a relatively stable arrangement while in the locked mode toprevent the latch 110A from rotating and disengaging from the enclosure102.

It is noted that the linkage 112 and the latches 110A, 110B of themodular element 104(1) may be disposed and/or move within a geometricplane P1 (see FIGS. 2D and 2E). This co-planar arrangement and movementhas several benefits. Cooling airflow provided to the electroniccomponents 108 may be increased as the linkage 112 and the latches 110A,110B of the modular element 104(1) may be disposed adjacent to thechassis body 106. This adjacent arrangement provides minimal obstructionto the airflow (not shown) which may be directed parallel to the firstside 202A and/or a second side 202B of the chassis body 106. Also, thelinkage 112 and the latches 110A, 110B may be made lighter and morecompact to accommodate co-planar movements and forces within thegeometric plane P1 and avoid more complex and/or unnecessary structure.The complex structure which has been avoided would be needed toaccommodate movements and/or forces outside of the geometric plane P1.In this manner, the modular element 104(1) may more efficiently providecooling to the electronic components 108 and reduce costs.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary method 400 for securing themodular element 104(1) of FIG. 2A within the enclosure 102 of FIG. 1 andremoving the modular element 104(1) from the enclosure 102. The method400 is now discussed using the terminology discussed above in relationto the operations 402A-402E as depicted in FIG. 4. In this regard, themethod 400 includes disposing at least a portion of the chassis body 106of the modular element 104(1) and electronic components 108 supported bythe chassis body 106 within the enclosure 102 (operation 402A of FIG.4). As shown in FIG. 5A, the method 400 also includes upon transitioningfrom the unlocked mode to the locked mode, pivoting the latches 110A,110B with the installation force F1 relative to the chassis body 106 toengage the enclosure 102 with the latches 110A, 110B and to engage thedetents 224A, 224B of the latches 110A, 110B with the control catches221A, 221B of the control arms 216A, 216B (operation 402B of FIG. 4).FIG. 5A depicts the installation force F1 applied to both the latches110A, 110B wherein the detent 224A of the latch 110A has become engagedwith the control catch 221A of the control arm 216A. For purposes ofillustration, the latches 110A, 110B are illustrated at different levelsof engagement wherein the detent 224B of the latch 110B is not yetengaged with the control arm 216B. In this regard, the installationforce F1 is received by the latch 110B the angular joint 228B of thecontrol arm 216B is deformed to enable the control catch 221B to becomeadjacent to the detent 224B so that the flexible protrusion 227B maymove toward its neutral position and urge the control catch 221B intothe detent 224B to complete the engagement of the latch 110B with thecontrol arm 216B.

It is noted that gaps of the rotational stops 232A, 232B at the angularjoints 228A, 228B widen as depicted by the distance D₀NS when therespective one of the angular joints 228A, 228B deform when the controlcatches 221A, 221B are disposed adjacent to the detents 224A, 224B andthe gaps of the rotational stops 232A, 232B decrease as the flexibleprotrusions urge the control catches 221A, 221B into the detents 224A,224B.

The method 400 may also include operating the electronic components 108(operation 402D of FIG. 4). The operation may include, for example,exchanging information between the electronic components 108 and thecommunication cable groups 130A, 130B (FIG. 1).

One or more of the modular elements 104(1)-104(N) may be removed whenmaintenance or upgrades are required. When removal is initiated, themodular elements 104(1)-104(N) are unsecured from the enclosure 102 tofacilitate removal in the unlocked mode. In this regard, as shown inFIG. 5B, the method 400 may include, upon transitioning from the lockedmode to the unlocked mode, moving the control body 214 in a linearsliding motion from the first position 223A to the second position 223B,and transforming, with the rigid member 220A, 220B, the first rotaryjoints 218A, 218B and second rotary joints 219A, 219B, the linear motionof the control body 214 into the rotary motions of the control arms216A, 216B to disengage the control catches 221A, 221B from the detents224A, 224B (operation 402D of FIG. 4). In this manner, the latches 110A,110B become free to move about the latch spindles 206A, 206B anddisengage the catch portions 212A, 212B of the latches 110A, 110B fromthe enclosure 102 to enable the modular element 104(1) to be removedfrom the enclosure 102.

As depicted in FIG. 5C, the method 400 may also include removing themodular element 104(1) from the enclosure 102 with an application of aremoval force F3 to the latches 110A, 110B (operation 402E of FIG. 4).The modular element 104(1) may in some cases slide along a rail (notshown) of the enclosure 102 as the removal force F3 is applied. In thismanner, the modular element 104(1) may be removed from the enclosure102.

It is noted that at this situation illustrated in FIG. 5C that therotational stops 232A, 232B may limit the distance that the flexibleprotrusions 227A, 227B can urge the control arms 216A, 216B away fromthe control body by reducing the gap D₀NS (FIG. 5A) to zero. In thismanner, the control arms 216A, 216B may be precisely positioned toreceive the latches 110A, 110B if the installation force F1 were toagain be applied to the latches 110A, 110B to subsequently initiate thelocked mode.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present inventionhave been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intendedto be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the describedembodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain theprinciples of the embodiments, the practical application or technicalimprovement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodimentsdisclosed herein.

In the following, reference is made to embodiments presented in thisdisclosure. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limitedto specific described embodiments. Instead, any combination of thefollowing features and elements, whether related to differentembodiments or not, is contemplated to implement and practicecontemplated embodiments. Furthermore, although embodiments disclosedherein may achieve advantages over other possible solutions or over theprior art, whether or not a particular advantage is achieved by a givenembodiment is not limiting of the scope of the present disclosure. Thus,the following aspects, features, embodiments and advantages are merelyillustrative and are not considered elements or limitations of theappended claims except where explicitly recited in a claim(s). Likewise,reference to “the invention” shall not be construed as a generalizationof any inventive subject matter disclosed herein and shall not beconsidered to be an element or limitation of the appended claims exceptwhere explicitly recited in a claim(s).

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

Many modifications and other embodiments not set forth herein will cometo mind to one skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertainhaving the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoingdescriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to beunderstood that the description and claims are not to be limited to thespecific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and otherembodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appendedclaims. It is intended that the embodiments cover the modifications andvariations of the embodiments provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents. Although specific terms areemployed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense onlyand not for purposes of limitation.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention,other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised withoutdeparting from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof isdetermined by the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for securing a modular element in alocked mode within an enclosure and removing the modular element whilein an unlocked mode from the enclosure, the method comprising: disposingat least a portion of a chassis body of the modular element andelectronic components supported by the chassis body within theenclosure, wherein the modular element includes latches and a linkage,wherein the linkage includes a control body, control arms, and rigidmembers, wherein the control body is in linear slidable communicationwith the chassis body and disposed between a first position during thelocked mode and a second position during the unlocked mode, the controlarms are in pivotable communication with the chassis, and the rigidmembers are connected to the control arms with a first rotary joint anda second rotary joint respectively; upon transitioning from the unlockedmode to the locked mode, pivoting the latches relative to the chassisbody to engage the enclosure with the latches and to engage a detent ofeach latch with a control catch of the corresponding control arm,wherein each control arm is in pivotable communication with the chassisbody; and upon transitioning from the locked mode to the unlocked mode,moving the control body in a linear sliding motion from the firstposition to the second position, and transforming, with the rigidmembers and the first and second rotary joints, the linear motion of thecontrol body into a rotary motion of the control arms to disengage thecontrol catches from the detents respectively.
 2. The method of claim 1,further comprising receiving, with the control body, a disengagingmotion from a user which moves the control body from the first positionto the second position.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprisingmoving, with the rotary motion of the control arm, a flexible protrusionaway from a neutral position of the flexible protrusion upon movement ofthe control body from the first position to the second position, whereinthe flexible protrusion extends from the control body.
 4. The method ofclaim 3, wherein the flexible protrusion is disposed between the controlarm and the control body.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the engagingthe detent of the latch with the control catch of a control armincludes: receiving, with the latch from the user, an installation forceto pivot the latch relative to the control arm and dispose a catch camof the control arm adjacent to a detent of the latch.
 6. The method ofclaim 5, wherein the engaging the detent of the latch with the controlcatch of a control arm further includes: urging, with a flexibleprotrusion moving towards a neutral position of the flexible protrusion,the control catch into the detent, wherein the flexible protrusionextends from the control body.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein theengaging the detent of the latch with the control catch of a control armfurther includes: deforming the control arm at an angular joint of thecontrol arm to facilitate disposing the control catch adjacent to thedetent.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the urging the control catchinto the detent includes: limiting, with a rotational stop of thecontrol arm, the movement of the control catch in the unlocked modewherein the rotational stop includes a gap of the control arm whichfully closes to limit movement of the control catch.
 9. The method ofclaim 3, wherein the latch, the control body, the control arm, and thelink member are disposed in a co-planar arrangement during the lockedand unlocked modes.